"It's part of the business, here today, gone tomorrow," he said. "It shocked a lot of us."

Josh Gordon, who is expected to start his first game of the season after being suspended will return to a lineup minus starting quarterback Brandon Weeden (thumb) and Richardson.

"I think (the trade) was a shock to everybody," Gordon said. "That's how this league is as a business and it's adversity, we just have to deal with it."

Gordon was asked if it put the players on notice.

"A first round pick to be traded so quick, it just tells you to do your job," Gordon said. "I believe everyone's role is to step up , even though we know what a big deal it is."

Captain D'Qwell Jackson, who's been with the Browns for eight seasons said he talked with Richardson after the trade. He said Richardson told him he felt he had unfinished business to do with the Browns.

"I think everyone was surprised," he said. "In the locker room, guys will talk about it today and then we have a job to do.

"It happens, but the question is 'How do you respond?'

Desmond Bryant, who was one of the prized free agents said he sees it as a business decision.

"They made a business move."

With the Browns just two games into the 2013 season, some would think the Browns front office is foregoing this season for 2014 and beyond.

"Definitely not," Bryant said. "We go out every day and work hard and try to win games."

Ward understands how the fans feel when Richardson was seen as the face of the franchise, from pocket schedules to jerseys.

"I understand why (the fans) feel like that," Ward said. "But everybody looks to the future. I don't think (the front office) has bailed at all on this season."

Jackson agreed.

"There's not one player in this locker room that thinks we're not trying to win now."

"I know we're focused on beating the Vikings," Ahtyba Rubin said. "I'm just keeping my head down and staying in my lane and doing my job."

Defensive coordinator Ray Horton was asked if this puts more pressure on the defense to play even better.

"My opening message is you move on," Horton said. "Trent could've got hurt in the first game. We're looking at the big picture. I challenged our defense to put it on our shoulders.

"We embrace the challenge," he said. "I don't think there's any added pressure. We've always had the mentality to put the pressure on our shoulders."

Jackson said the defense wants to step up even more.

"We want to be the side of the ball (to carry the load)," Jackson said. "We pride ourselves in being one of the best defenses in the league."

Added Ward.

"We still have to do what we've been doing."

EXTRA POINTS

Moving On: Offensive coordinator Norv Turner spoke before practice and talked about getting the offense ready without RB Trent Richardson and a new quarterback in Brian Hoyer.

"My focus has been to get Brian ready to go start a game," Turner said. "I've focused on what he does best and am trying to get him to go play at a high level against Minnesota.

"Brian is excited about playing and showing what he can do."

Turner was asked why Hoyer was selected over QB Jason Campbell and his response was similar to Rob Chudzinski's on Wednesday.

"I just think for where we are offensively, he gives us the best chance," Turner said. "Brian does a lot of good things, but I'm not going to tell Minnesota what we're doing."

Turner said a big positive was to have WR Josh Gordon back at practice.

"Everyone was excited to have Josh back at practice," he said. "He made some big plays in the preseason and was a big part of what we're doing, so that's an addition.

"Our guys are looking for the opportunity," Turner said. "They are focused on their job and doing what we can to (win). We've been awfully close the last two weeks. We've had opportunities to take the lead in the second half in both games."

Turner was asked about his thoughts on the Richardson trade.

"I think my deep down reaction is I like Trent an awful lot," he said. "For him, I think this will be a real positive thing for him. He is going to get an opportunity to really showcase his abilities. I've been doing this for a long time and I have a lot of faith in our leadership and in the people making the decisions. I think they have a plan for what they want to get done and where they want to go and I think it's going to be good in the long run."

Rubin Positive: DL Ahtyba Rubin (calf) said he is getting close to playing and is hoping to play against the Vikings.

"I'm doing everything possible to get back on the field," Rubin said.

Rubin said the injured calf is the same one that kept him out of three games in 2012, it is in a different area.

Horton is looking forward to getting Rubin back.

"(Rubin) will be a welcome addition to our defense."

Rubin appeared to be taking part in all of the drills during the portion of practice open to the media.

OL Shawn Lauvao (ankle) was also participating in practice. All the players on the roster were practicing with the exception of QB Brandon Weeden (thumb) and LB Quentin Groves (ankle), who have both been ruled out for this week's game.

Weeden is visiting a hand specialist Thursday according to a team spokesman.

Slowing AP: Ray Horton said RB Adrian Peterson is obviously, the focus of this week.

"He's a phenomenal player," Horton said. "He has a rare genetic makeup. He's a premier running back in this league."

Horton said he's pleased with the way the Browns have stopped the run thus far.

"(The Vikings') strength is the running game and our strength is the running game, so it will be a good challenge."

Spit Attack: Horton wouldn't confirm that DL Phil Taylor was spit on early in the Ravens game, but he did indicate that they talked to Taylor about how he handled the situation. Taylor said that RB Ray Rice spit on him.

"We know what happened, talked to Phil and moved on," Horton said. "(That is) one of the most degrading things you can do to a man. All I know is what my player said to me."

Third Down Woes: Horton said that he is not pleased with the Browns defense on third down.

"That's the most disturbing statistic," he said. "I am used to leading the league in third down defense."

Happy with Mingo: Horton said he is excited about what LB Barkevious Mingo showed in his first game.

"I was very pleased very happy with everything," Horton said. "I thought he was a fantastic boost to our defense."

McGahee: RB Willis McGahee was in Cleveland and a Browns spokesman confirmed the Browns are planning to sign him. He said he was taking his physical in the morning.

McGahee was not on the field during the portion of practice open to the media and no announcement has been made by the team officially that he is signed.

After the trade of Richardson, the Browns were left with Bobby Rainey as the only running back listed on the depth chart. Chris Ogbonnaya, who most likely will take over as the featured back, is currently listed on the depth chart as a fullback.

McGahee had 167 carries for 731 yards last season with the Broncos, including four touchdowns. His average per carry was 4.4. He'll be 32 on Oct. 21.